Definition of Recovery (1)
Mental health problems are varied, so recovery means different things to different people. Recovery can mean:
1. A return to a state of wellness (eg following a state of depression)
2. Achievement of a personally acceptable quality of life (eg following an episode of psychosis)
3. A process or period of recovery (following a trauma)
4. A process of gaining or restoring something (being alcohol or drug free)
5. Gaining benefit from apparently negative experiences (eg in prolonged psychosis where the experience itself has intrinsic personal value)
6. Recovering an optimum quality and satisfaction with life in disconnected circumstances (eg dementia)
Taken together, these six meanings suggest a broad vision of recovery that involves:
A process of changing one’s orientation and behaviour from a negative focus on a troubling event, condition or circumstance to the positive restoration, rebuilding, reclaiming or taking control of one’s life (2)
Principles to Promote Recovery (3)
1. Recovery is something that the individual experiences and defines. A mental health service cannot make someone recover, though it can support the process. St Martins principle aim is to support service users in their recovery.
2. Support plans will be based on the goals, aspirations and priorities of the service user. St Martins will support service users in making choices about their own life within the limits imposed by statutory restrictions.
3. Hope is a key element of recovery. Staff will promote hope in their work with service users and their carers, recognising that recovery takes times and involves set backs.
4. Culture, ethnicity, sexuality, spirituality, relationships and lifestyle are important elements of many peoples recovery. St Martins will value and actively support these elements.
5. Medication is an element of many (though not all) people’s recovery. Other important elements are psychological and social interventions.
6. Support from Peers, family and friends as well as mental health professionals can be essential for recovery. St Martins recognises the essential role of family and friends in assisting recovery.
7. Stigma and discrimination inhibit recovery. St Martins will engage with external organisations to ensure that service users legal, civil and human rights are protected and upheld.
8. St Martins will develop risk management systems which recognise the tension between types of risk which are to be avoided (eg of harm to self and others) and types of risk which are essential to growth and recovery ( eg of trying something new)
9. St Martins will ensure that its documentation and language encourage recovery focussed and empowering practice rather than dependency inducing practice.
10 People who use mental health services are members of local communities and citizens and should be viewed in that context. Having social roles beyond the illness role and access to meaningful activities both contribute to the development of a positive identity.
(1) NIMHE (2004) Emerging best practices in mental health recovery
(2) NIME (2004) Guiding statement on Recovery
(3) Adapted from SLAM Social Inclusion, Rehabilitation and Recovery Strategy 2007-2010